UK Minister Urges Malta to Speed Up Daphne Inquiry Progress

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St. George’s Square, tourists and locals alike pass by the bronze statue of Daphne Caruana Galizia daily. Yet, nearly five years after her assassination, the progress on implementing recommendations from the public inquiry into her murder has been slow, according to a UK minister.

Inquiry Recommendations: A Recap

The public inquiry, led by Sir Jonathan Baer, concluded in 2021, presenting a damning report on the state of journalism, rule of law, and political culture in Malta. It recommended sweeping changes, including strengthening the independence of the police and judiciary, improving whistleblower protection, and enhancing press freedom.

UK Minister’s Stance

In a recent statement, UK Minister for Europe and North America, Wendy Morton, expressed concern over the pace of implementing these recommendations. Speaking in the House of Commons, she said, “We urge the Maltese authorities to make further progress in implementing the recommendations of the public inquiry… We continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Morton’s comments come amidst growing international pressure on Malta to address the findings of the inquiry. The Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists has also raised concerns about the slow progress.

Local Perspectives

Locally, reactions have been mixed. Some journalists and activists welcome the international scrutiny, seeing it as a push for much-needed reforms. Others, however, caution against external interference, arguing that Malta should address its issues independently.

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s son, Paul, who continues his mother’s work through the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, told Hot Malta, “We appreciate the UK’s concern and support. But ultimately, it’s up to Maltese authorities to ensure justice is served and that the inquiry’s recommendations are implemented.”

Meanwhile, the Maltese government maintains that progress is being made. A spokesperson told Hot Malta, “The government is committed to implementing the recommendations. We’ve already taken steps to strengthen whistleblower protection and are working on further reforms.”

Yet, with the next general election due in 2024, some worry that political will may wane. As one local political analyst put it, “Elections are around the corner. We need to see concrete action, not just promises.”

The statue of Daphne Caruana Galizia stands as a poignant reminder of the fight for justice and press freedom. As we approach the fifth anniversary of her assassination, the call for swift action on the inquiry’s recommendations grows louder. The international community, local activists, and the public are watching, waiting for Malta to deliver on its promises.

As Morton put it, “We urge the Maltese authorities to make further progress… We continue to monitor the situation closely.” The ball is now in Malta’s court.